Pitt’s Israel Abanikanda was beaten by his assistant Wake Forest, responded with 2 TDs in the ACC title game

The hit in Saturday’s ACC Pitt-Wake Forest championship game was out of bounds for a play.

The Panthers re-run Israel Abanikanda had an additional shot when he clashed with assistant coach Wake on the sidelines at the end of the third quarter. It seems that Abanikanda didn’t try too hard to avoid the assistant after being pushed out of bounds. That turned out to be a mistake.

THAN: Pitt’s Kenny Pickett fake drag on TD run versus Wake Forest in the ACC game; Should it be allowed?

The un-cushioned aide barely gave in as he laid Abanikanda’s shoulders and forearms, sending him to his knees.

No penalty is invoked.

The hit is not needed, even though it is not flagged. It didn’t stop Abanikanda at all. And it may have increased the intensity on the Panthers side.

THAN: Nick Saban credits media for ‘tasty’ rat poison after Alabama vs. Georgia

Three times playing after the side incident, Abanikanda scored on a 12-yard run to give Team 15 a 10-point lead over Wake Forest. He scored again in the fourth half on a 1-yard run. Pitt’s Erick Hallett intercepted 19 yards for a touchdown to score 21 consecutive points for the Panthers, giving them a 45-21 lead against 16th-ranked Demon Deacons.